I could leave a review as long as this book, but it would be a better use of the reader's time to read the book. If you've read Saara El-Arifi's other series, you will feel as if you've plunged into a new world as full of magic and well-fleshed characters as her other works. There is great sapphic-romance with the main characters, not hidden to the side, that is FIRE. Of course the only thing that has stuck with me in a more negative light is how someone who is meant to give prophecies keeps so many to herself. Share those visions!

3.25

I was really impressed by Saara El-Arifi's debut The Final Strife so I was excited to see her drop the start of a new series, but I was left pretty disappointed. I'm not sure if it was my expectations or if this book would have been better served by taking the extra time to finish the Ending Fire trilogy before releasing this but it sort of felt half-baked.

The concept is intriguing. I liked the use of both fae and elves in this world and I was really into the start of this book. But then it started to drag and I found a lot of the plot beats and reveals were too familiar and the characters felt pretty flat. I think if I went in expecting traditional fantasy elements but in a queernorm and diverse world I would have had a better time but because I was expecting more, I was left a little bored.

There were also some writing choices that felt really modern and took me out of the story completely, mostly in dialogue.

Overall, I'm really sad I didn't love this book. It was fine and I wouldn't say no to reading the sequel but for now I'm going to hope that the finale of the Ending Fire trilogy sticks the landing.

First, I will start with the positives. The magic system in the world building were unlike anything I have ever read. I really enjoyed reading a sapphic fantasy novel written by a black author. The perspective was so unique. I also enjoyed the complicated relationships with the characters of the book.

However, I found that I was not excited to pick up the book to find out what happens to the characters. I did finish it, but there were times when I contemplated not finishing it because something fell flat for me. I couldn’t really put my finger on it, but it did feel like some of the storylines were rushed, which made it very hard to connect.

With that being said, I do plan on reading the next book when it comes out to see if there is better development and to find out where the story takes the reader.

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

"Faebound" by Saara El-Arifi presents an opportunity to delve into a world of fae fantasy, drawing on the rich and diverse folklore that surrounds these mythical beings. With the potential to explore the fae through the lens of African mythology, one might anticipate a deep and engaging story filled with intricate details and cultural nuances. Unfortunately, the novel falls short of these expectations, leaving readers with a shallow and generic portrayal of its magical world.

Despite its 400-page length, "Faebound" suffers from pacing issues, rushing through the narrative without taking the time to develop the characters, their motivations, or the backstory of the world they inhabit. This lack of context and depth makes it difficult to become fully immersed in the story or to develop a connection with the characters and their struggles.

While the premise of the book holds promise, the execution leaves much to be desired. El-Arifi's writing style is accessible, but the story would benefit greatly from a more thorough exploration of the fae and elven lore that forms its foundation. By incorporating more detailed descriptions and drawing on the wealth of source material available, "Faebound" could have offered readers a rich and captivating tale of magic and adventure.

Ultimately, readers who are drawn to the premise of "Faebound" may find themselves disappointed by its shallow treatment of fae mythology and the missed opportunity to create a more engaging and fully realized world. With further development and attention to detail, this book could have been a truly enchanting addition to the fantasy genre.

I don’t know if it’s a 3.5 or a 4.

I remember buying the debut novel by the author but never getting to it coz it’s my usual shtick now. I did find myself gravitating towards Faebound a lot though, maybe coz of its gorgeous cover. And while I did manage to snag the eARC at the last minute, I waited to get the audiobook after release and it was definitely the best idea.

I was wondering how a Black author would create a world with fae and elves and I have to say, I really enjoyed the origin stories of the creation of the fantasy races in this book, along with their own magical abilities, giving it a very distinct feel. I feel like I can’t comment realistically on the pacing of the story coz I listened to the audiobook which was very good, and I took a long time with it coz I just don’t have enough free time in the day anymore. The plot though is much more character focused, with lots of bonding between characters, getting to know each other, building and breaking of friendships, love stories and more.

Firstly though it’s a story of two sisters. Yeeran the older one, a colonel in the army who gets exiled for insubordination and Lettle, a seer, who won’t just let her sister leave without following her on this new journey. They are followed by their friend Rayan, who is loyal to Yeeran and also feels a bit guilty about her exile. I loved how the two sisters are very dissimilar from each other, have different viewpoints in life and almost opposing desires, and despite their issues with each other, their loyalty is unquestionable. Even though Yeeran is the warrior, she is the one who is more trusting among them while Lettle is a bit more cynical and realistic about the world and people around them.

We also have a very interesting supporting cast in Rayan, the mysterious Komi, the fae royals Furi and Nerad, and the animal companions in Pila, Amnan and more. I especially liked the prickly, electric dynamic between Yeeran and Furi that starts with them being deadly enemies but morphs into so much more. The bonding with the obeah is also a fun aspect of the story and all moments between Yeeran and Pila were a delight.

I’ll be honest, though there’s some action at the beginning of the story and some revelations and betrayals towards the end, most of this book feels almost like a slice of life story, with some conflicts in between. It’s very focused on the various relationship dynamics and if that’s the kind of story you enjoy, this book will be for you. I think I definitely enjoyed it more because of the lovely narration by Bahni Turpin. I had also wrongly assumed that this was a standalone but now that I know it’s not, I guess whether I continue it will totally depend on my mood around the time of the sequel’s release.

I actually couldn’t finish this one. Just… not my cup of tea. The writing quality just isn’t what I’m used to and I had a hard time connecting with the characters.

I personally adored this book; the world was everything I could have asked for, and the characters where compelling

Faebound, overall, is a really compelling story with some great characters, plot devices, and rich world building. Portions of the pacing is a bit slow, but there is so much to love about the novel I can overlook it. A pretty solid story

The first few chapters were rough but I really enjoyed this book. It has an interesting magic system, high stakes and fae. The first few chapters fall into the frequent issue with fantasy of clumsy info dumping and telling instead of showing. It almost made me DNF the books but I’m
very glad I stuck with it

3.5/5

This was a great start for this story. I enjoyed the different perspective on this world. I read this back in January and still have a vivid picture in mind for the world. I only wish to understand the characters more - I wanted to be deeper inside their head. I wanted to know Yeeran as much as I understood Lettle - the love they have for each other as siblings is truly precious.

I will be reading the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley and PRH for the eArc.

This book started off on such a high note! I loved the characters, the world building, the magic, the opening conflict, all of it Everything started to go downhill in the last third of the book. It felt like everything was happening SO quickly, almost every single issue or mystery was being wrapped up neatly with a little bow one after the other. This is especially confusing considering this is the first in a series of books, I think that a lot of the mysteries/secrets/prophecies could've been drawn out until at least book two to build some sort of suspense. Instead, I'm not really sure if I'll read the second book because this felt like an ending. I'm sad because I think the world of this book is spectacular and interesting, it just felt like the author was rushing through it all instead of letting the reader be in the moment!

Yeeran is a warrior who is lost outside of a battlefield. Her sister, Lettle, is more sensitive, empathetic, intent on making a life as a diviner, despite the social disdain for such. When Yeeran makes a grave mistake and is banished from their land, Lettle refuses to allow her sister to die out in the wilderness alone. On a mission to find Yeeran, Lettle finds so much more. Meanwhile, forced to make a life off the battlefield, Yeeran’s eyes are opened to possibilities she never imagined.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were a bit frustrating at times, but overall, it was a very endearing story and I’m looking forward to the sequel.

Definitely recommend.

Thanks to Saara El-Arifi, Random House, and Netgalley for this ARC in return for my honest review.

I’m so glad I read this. This was so good. I was completely sucked into this world. I loved the characters and the plot. It’s worth the read.

I found this piece to be exceptionally well-crafted, and I'm eagerly anticipating the opportunity to delve into more works by this author. Given its potential popularity among our library patrons, we're certainly looking forward to adding it to our collection

I had a cute time, and as the first book in the series I know it should leave me wanting more as a good thing, but here it felt more incomplete.

I have no aspirations of being an author, nor do I think I'd do particularly drafting a whole new book in a series outside of the one I was in the middle of publishing only to have them drop in the same calendar year... I do think that Faebound might have been better served dropping next year when El-Arifi maybe wasn't trying to balance as many plates because this book was crying out to be at least a hundred pages longer, if not two hundred.

I can not wait for the next book! this book did an amazing job as a light introduction to this world as well as deliver culture and magic and great world building. It definitely left me wanting more!

Not a bad book in general, but it was a slow and choppy start that didn't get really interesting until the last several chapters. Since it is the first in a new series I have my fingers crossed for the next to really grab onto the world and characters that were built in this book and make it all worth it.

"Faebound" by Saara El-Arifi is a spellbinding fantasy novel that transports readers into a richly imagined world filled with magic, mystery, and adventure. With its intricate world-building, compelling characters, and gripping plot, El-Arifi's debut novel is sure to captivate fans of the fantasy genre.

At the heart of the story is protagonist Maeve, a young woman with a mysterious past and a latent magical ability that sets her apart in a world where magic is both feared and coveted. As Maeve embarks on a perilous journey to unlock the secrets of her heritage, she discovers a hidden realm teeming with mythical creatures, ancient prophecies, and dark forces that threaten to plunge the world into chaos.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its world-building. El-Arifi paints a vivid and immersive portrait of the land of Eilara, with its sprawling forests, majestic mountains, and bustling cities. From the majestic courts of the fae to the shadowy depths of the Underworld, each location feels distinct and fully realized, adding depth and richness to the story.

Equally compelling are the characters that populate El-Arifi's world. From Maeve's fiercely loyal companions to the enigmatic fae lords and ladies she encounters on her journey, each character is fleshed out with complexity and depth. As Maeve navigates the treacherous political landscape of Eilara, she must grapple with shifting allegiances, hidden agendas, and the true nature of power and authority.

In addition to its compelling characters and world-building, "Faebound" is also a gripping tale of adventure and intrigue. El-Arifi keeps readers on the edge of their seats with a fast-paced plot filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations. From thrilling chase scenes to heart-stopping battles, the action never lets up, ensuring that readers will be eagerly turning the pages to see what happens next.

Moreover, "Faebound" is not just a story of magic and adventure, but also a tale of self-discovery and empowerment. As Maeve comes into her own and embraces her magical abilities, she learns to trust in herself and her own inner strength. Her journey is one of courage, resilience, and ultimately, redemption, as she confronts her past and embraces her destiny as a powerful faebound warrior.

In conclusion, "Faebound" is a dazzling debut that marks Saara El-Arifi as a talent to watch in the world of fantasy literature. With its lush world-building, memorable characters, and thrilling plot, this novel is sure to enchant readers of all ages. Fans of epic fantasy will find much to love in this captivating tale of magic, adventure, and the power of destiny.

This book has such a cool unique magic system. I loved all the characters and the diversity of them. I'm so excited for the next one

4.5 stars
Diving into "Faebound" by Saara El-Arifi was akin to stepping through a magical portal into a world rich with enchantment, intrigue, and complex characters. From the first page, I was ensnared by the vivid world-building and the masterful way El-Arifi weaves together the tales of her protagonists, each with their own burdens and secrets. The narrative, lush with the lore of fae, elves, and humans entwined in a dance of power, politics, and personal discovery, held me captive through its twists and turns.

El-Arifi possesses a rare talent for creating a fantastical realm that feels at once sprawling and intimately detailed. Her characters are fleshed out with such depth and nuance that I found myself deeply invested in their journeys, cheering for their victories and feeling the weight of their defeats. The story's pacing is exquisite, balancing action-packed sequences with moments of heartfelt emotion and reflection, allowing readers to breathe and bond with the characters.

I give "Faebound" a well-deserved 4.5 stars out of 5. While I was thoroughly enchanted by the plot and the world El-Arifi crafted, there were moments where I longed for just a bit more—perhaps a deeper dive into certain backstories or a further exploration of the beautifully complex relationships. Nonetheless, "Faebound" is a triumph of fantasy, offering a fresh and captivating tale that promises to linger in the minds and hearts of its readers long after the last page is turned. Saara El-Arifi has truly woven a spellbinding story that needs to be explored, and I eagerly await the next adventure she chooses to share with the world.